Rapid growth is always a hot topic in the Washington Metro Area. Here are a collection of articles/sites devoted to that very issue.

• 1996 Journal Newspaper article on Growth in Montgomery County
  
• 1997 Washington Post article on suburban sprawl in Montgomery County is provided online. Also an 1996 online regional map shows an animated illustration of growth since 1980 and into 2020.
• Maryland National Capitol Park and Planning Commission provides a 1998 paper written by board chairman William H. Hussmann online. This paper includes a comprehensive overview of Montgomery County and its growth.

• Newcomer information is provided by the Montgomery County Government Online. This web page provides a collection of contact info from taxes to animal control.
  
• Welcome Washington provides a comprehensive collection of links and contact valuable whether your a newcomer to the metro area or a veteran resident.
  
• A $10.00 relocation package is offered from the Rockville Chamber of Commerce Online. The package includes various local publications and maps to assist the local newcomer in orienting to the area.

• Undeniably positive, The Greater Washington Initiative strives to promote industry and business growth within the area. In addition, there are an interesting collection of facts and statistics about the DC Metro area.
  
• Find a Derwood Home for Sale with Realtor.com! This site is sponsored by the National Association of Realtors as opposed to any one company in our area. This site appears to offer an impressive collection of properties as well as a wide variety of real estate companies to contact.

• MoversNet provides online help for movers before, during and after relocation. Among the valuable information here is a printable change of address form for USPS, tips related to pets and kids, and a check list to help you get settled. (Spanish & English)
  
• The Insiders Guide Online is provided by Beverly D. Roman, author and talk show host on the subject. This site is worth a peek. From pre-move planning, to career and family this site offers a vast collection of information on how to cope and get organized.
  
• The Relocation Wizard produces a working timeline after completing some basic questions. This will help keep track of all the details of the moving process.
  
• This list of online services provided by Homefair includes everything from estimating interstate shipping costs to Trick and Furniture rentals and more.
  
• MoveCentral provides a FREE service to process your change-of-address online. In addition, valuable hints on things to do before during and after the move are included.
  Move.com, this newsy site offers a few features that no one else has thought of...
  • A Schools Check List:
    This is a questionnaire for use either in person or over the phone which will provide in-depth knowledge of the school. There were certainly questions here I would have never thought to ask!
    
  • A Neighborhood Research Option allows the user to type in a zipcode and presto a report is displayed on median income, school populations and more. The sources are not indicated, so the accuracy of the info is unknown. It is an interesting concept though!
    
  • A FREE service promising to change the address, connect, disconnect and transfer services.
    
• WelcomeWagon.com offers a "My Neighborhood" section which illustrates Derwood-area statistics in a friendly, visual way. The Welcome Wagon "Moving Organizer" provides online support customized to the user once you complete the FREE registration.
  
• Cindy Brown-Godown sponsors her own website, Welcomesvcs.com, which promotes ways to start your own "Welcome Service" for new residents in your own community.
  
• Finding a new Vet for your pet is a snap! Healthy Pet's "Hospital Locator" provides a listing of the nearby veterinarian options.
  

• Aaron Hirsch's Online Guide to downtown Washington is designed for residents new to the area. The information provides insight even for Derwood residents who intend on wandering south occasionally.